Tag Archives: Nonfiction

Elem. – The Pharaoh vs. the Felines

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Fox, J.F. The Pharaoh vs. the Felines (Head-to-Head History, Book 3). Illustrated by Anna Kwan. Kids Can Press, 2024. 978-1-525-30652-5. Unpaged. $21.99. Grades K-3.

Egypt and Persia, two great powers of the ancient world, fought for years over control of the Fertile Crescent. When Cambyses II (ruler of Persia) asked to marry the daughter of Amasis II (pharaoh of Egypt), the pharaoh agreed. However, because Amasis II didn’t want his daughter to leave the country, he sent an imposter instead. When his ruse was discovered, war broke out between the two powers. Cambyses II took a very unconventional approach to war, incorporating the use of cats, which Egyptians felt were sacred. This entertaining, easy-to-read historical account is full of humor and cat puns. It also includes a timeline and glossary, as well as a brief explanation of the way in which historians arrive at conclusions about things that happened long ago.

THOUGHTS: This is an extremely accessible and humorous look at a little-known battle in history. Young readers will glean many facts about the ancient Egyptians from this story. It may, however, leave them with some questions as well, such as how exactly Cambyses II’s army incorporated cats into the battle. It should also be noted that there is a reference to beer in the book, as it was one of the many things that the ancient Egyptians invented.

932 Ancient Egypt

Elem. – Everywhere Beauty is Harlem: The Vision of Photographer Roy DeCarava

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Golio, Gary. Everywhere Beauty is Harlem: The Vision of Photographer Roy DeCarava. Illustrated by E.B. Lewis. Calkins Creek, 2024, 978-1-662-68055-7. $19.99. 224 p. Grades 2-5

“SNAP” the camera clicks. Photographer DeCarava snaps pictures of people all throughout Harlem that show the true beauty and spirit of the city. This picture book chronicles his career with photography as well as education. Many of the illustrations throughout the book show how busy Harlem is and the beauty in noticing what others may not see.  

THOUGHTS: The watercolor illustrations in this novel are SUPERB. Absolutely stunning. It truly shows the beauty in the day-to-day and noticing what others may not see. The book contains more biographical information in the back of the book.

Picture Book
Biography

Elem. – Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera

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Hopkinson, Deborah. Evidence! How Dr. John Snow Solved the Mystery of Cholera. Illustrated by Nik Henderson. Alfred A. Knopf, 2024. 978-0-593-42681-4. Unpaged. $19.99. Grades K-2. 

It’s 1854, and the residents on Broad Street in London are scared. An outbreak of deadly cholera is striking down residents in droves. Death is in the air–the residents are convinced of it. Common thought at the time held that the bad air present in the city transmitted the disease. But one doctor thought differently. Dr. John Snow has been investigating cholera for years. His research into the symptoms of the disease led him to develop a hypothesis that cholera was caused by something ingested, rather than something airborne. All he needed was additional evidence. When cholera broke out on Broad Street, Dr. Snow was soon on the scene. He conducts interviews, maps the cluster, and determines that all those afflicted had one thing in common: they all drank water from the neighborhood water pump. He presents his findings to the community, and it is agreed that the water pump’s handle will be removed. Thus the outbreak is halted, and Dr. Snow’s hypothesis is proven correct. Nik Henderson’s illustrations utilized moody shades of brown to depict the sooty, heavy air of Broad Street as the outbreak erupts. Scenes with Dr. Snow utilizes lighter tones as he investigates and gains enlightenment about the source of the epidemic. Backmatter includes biographical information about Dr. Snow as well as the outbreak traced back to the Broad Street pump. A glossary of other major epidemics is also included. 

THOUGHTS: This medical mystery will have readers eagerly turning the pages to find out how Dr. Snow will solve the mysteries of cholera. This would be an ideal title to use when discussing the scientific method (Dr. Snow has a question, researches, makes a hypothesis, analyzes data from an outbreak, revises his hypothesis, takes action, and analyzes the results of his action.). Highly recommended.

616.932 Diseases

Elem. – Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World

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Mackenzie, Sarah. Because Barbara: Barbara Cooney Paints Her World. Waxwing Books. 978-1-956393-04-0. 40 p. $18.99. Grades K-3.  

Author, illustrator, mother, world-traveler, gardener, library-lover. These are just a few adjectives describing two-time Caldecott Medal-winner Barbara Cooney. This beautiful picture book biography, with illustrations mimicking Cooney’s delicate and detailed style, offers a glimpse into the world of this beloved and prolific book creator. Cooney grew up in New York City, but she spent her summers in Maine, taking in the beauty of the natural world by the sea. Her mother was an artist who encouraged Barbara to paint, and after college, Barbara pursued a career as a children’s illustrator. Citing the expense of color illustrations, her editors explained she would have to prove herself before they published her books in color, so her early work featured black and white line drawings. However, after Cooney was inspired by a vibrant flock of chickens, her editors agreed to publish her first color illustrations in Chanticleer and the Fox, which won the Caldecott Medal in 1959. Cooney went on to create other picture book classics such as Ox-Cart Man (the 1980 Caldecott winner), Miss Rumphius, Island Boy, and Hattie and the Wild Waves. Late in life, she also raised $850,000 to rebuild the library in her small Maine town, believing books deserved proper homes, and libraries should be a kind of paradise. Over her lifetime, Barbara Cooney illustrated 110 books, working right up to her death in 1999. This biography celebrates a children’s storyteller and illustration pioneer whose books continue to inspire readers today. 

THOUGHTS: This biography pairs well with many of Barbara Cooney’s classic titles, and readers who are familiar with her books will enjoy making connections between real events in her own life and the stories she tells in her books. There is enough information in the Author’s Note to make this book a solid choice for elementary biography projects. 

Biography

Elem. – Amazing Animal Features (Series NF)

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Hansen, Grace. Amazing Animal Features. Abdo Kids. 2024. $22.95 each or $137.70 for set of 6. Gr. PreK-2.

Different Ears of Animals. 978-1-098-26625-7.
Different Eyes of Animals. 978-1-098-26626-4.
Different Spokes & Spines of Animals. 978-1-098-26627-1.
Different Tails of Animals. 978-1-098-26628-8.
Different Teeth of Animals. 978-1-098-26629-5.
Different Wings of Animals. 978-1-098-26630-1.

The reviewer received and read Different Tails of Animals from the series Amazing Animal Features. Animals, like humans, are uniquely different, even those within the same species! Animals have different physical features – from eyes to ears, wings to feet! Amazing Animal Features focuses on a specific feature from a variety of animals and discusses how the animal uses their feature. For example, a tail can be used for balance, climbing, grabbing, and so much more! This easy to read beginning nonfiction book is filled with large photographs showcasing the specific animal feature and how it is used by different animals.

THOUGHTS: The photographs in this book are beautiful, large, and brilliantly taken to show off the different features of the animal. Young readers will enjoy looking at these photographs and learning about a variety of animals.

591.1 Animal Physiology

Elem. – Volcanoes

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Beckerman, Nell Cross. Volcanoes. Illustrated by Kalen Chock. Orchard Books, 2024. 978-1-338-87467-9. 40 p. $19.99. Grades K-3. 

Volcanoes erupt all around the world each day, but scientists still have a lot of questions about what makes these eruptions occur, how to predict them, and from where all the molten rock comes. This title, told in alternating free verse and informational prose, describes how volcanoes are vents in the earth that release lava, ash, steam, and rocks. It also details the work volcanologists do each day, studying volcanoes and measuring changes that help us understand when they might pose danger to people in surrounding areas. Additional information about volcanoes on the ocean floor and volcanoes on other planets is included as well. Backmatter includes an Author’s Note, Illustrator’s Note, Books for Further Reading, and Descriptions of the Five Different Kinds of Volcanic Eruptions, including details about Hawaiian Eruptions, Strombolian Eruptions, Vulcanian Eruptions, Pelean Eruptions, and Plinian Eruptions.

THOUGHTS: This will be an informative and attractive addition to elementary collections. Share with science teachers, nonfiction enthusiasts, and library browsers. The limited text and full-page illustrations will be a draw for reluctant readers as well.

551.24 Volcanoes

MG/YA – Guide to Financial Responsibility

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Guide to Financial Responsibility. Reference Point Press, 2024. $34.50 ea. $170.29 set of 5. 64 p. Grades 6-12. 

Currie-McGhee, LK. How do I get a job? 978-1-678-20554-6.
—. How do I start a business? 978-1-678-20556-0.
Mooney, Carla. How do credit cards and loans work? 978-1-678-20552-2.
—. Should I go to college? 978-1-678-20560-7.
Streissguth, Thomas. How does investing work?  978-1-678-20558-4.

Reference Point Press’ Guide to Financial Responsibility series answers teen’s questions about getting a job, applying for a loan, using a credit card, going to college, investing, or even starting a business. Successfully navigating these milestones and making informed choices requires a strong foundation in financial knowledge. The Guide to Financial Responsibility series equips readers with essential information on these topics, helping them develop smart financial habits that last a lifetime. This reviewer examined How Do Credit Cards and Loans Work? and How Do I Start a Business? Both titles provided comprehensive coverage of their topics with clear, accessible text. Beyond explaining the concepts, each book offered practical guidance to help readers take the first steps toward financial independence. Features include source notes, a glossary, books, resources for further exploration, and an index.

THOUGHTS: An essential addition to any high school library, the Guide to Financial Responsibility series offers clear, practical answers for students eager to learn vital life skills. The engaging anecdotal stories make the content both relatable and enjoyable to read.

300s Social Sciences

Elem. – Sunken Ship

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Hevron, Amy. Sunken Ship. Beach Lane Books. 978-1-665-93500-5. 44 p. $18.99. Grades K-4.

When a treasure ship sinks to the bottom of the ocean, some might assume that’s the end of its story. But, as the crew swims to safety, the ship settles onto the seabed, ready to begin its new life as an artificial reef. This book details the many creatures that make the sunken ship their new home. Sea lettuce and algae wash into the hull, schools of spadefish dine on swirls of plankton, and coral larvae cling to the boat’s ballasts. As time goes on, more and more creatures are born in and around the wreck, even as it continues sinking into the sandy sea floor. Scallops, stingrays, sea turtles, and eels all find safe places to shelter in the ship’s shadow. Acrylic, marker, and pencil illustrations feature sea life in a rainbow of colors swimming against blue-hued backgrounds. Double-page spreads offer large-scale glimpses of the sunken ship, and other pages feature a 3-panel designs that invite close-up looks into different parts of the wreck. An Author’s Note details how this book was inspired by the Spanish treasure ship the San Pedro which sank off the coast of Florida during a hurricane in 1733. 

THOUGHTS: Readers will appreciate the easy-to-digest tidbits of information about the shipwreck and the many creatures who call it home. Alliteration and sound effects make this a fun read-aloud, and students will enjoy examining the ship diagram on the book’s opening pages. This is sure to be popular with nonfiction fans, and it will be an interesting addition to units about ecosystems. 

577.7 Marine Ecology

Elem./MG/YA – College Basketball Teams (Series NF)

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Anderson, Josh. College Basketball Teams. The Child’s World, 2024. $24.95 ea. $290.40 set of 12. 32 p.978-1-5038-8972-9  Grades 2-8. 

Duke University. 978-1-503-88517-2.
Gonzaga University. 978-1-503-88519-6.
Indiana University. 978-1-503-88521-9.
Michigan State University. 978-1-503-88524-0.
University of Arizona. 978-1-503-88523-3.
University of California Los Angeles. 978-1-503-88520-2.
University of Connecticut. 978-1-503-88525-7.
University of Florida. 978-1-503-88526-4.
University of Kansas. 978-1-503-88518-9.
University of Kentucky. 978-1-503-88516-5.
University of North Carolina. 978-1-503-88515-8.
Villanova University. 978-1-503-88522-6.

The focus of the 12-book nonfiction series is an in-depth look at college basketball teams. Topics include: origins, rivalries, great moments, all-time greats, and the modern era. Each book has engaging images along with an informative text that will appeal to students. The book concludes with a glossary, additional resources, fun facts, source notes, and an index.

THOUGHTS: This series is a good addition to enhance elementary and middle school library collections seeking to update their sports collections. It is labeled as Hi-Lo nonfiction, so it would be a good addition to a high school library.

700s Sports and Basketball

Elem./MG/YA – Sports Strategies (Series NF)

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Sports Strategies. Abdo Books, 2024. $24.95 ea. $199.60 set of 8. 48 p. Grades 3-9. 

Auto Racing Strategies. 978-1-09829-241-6.
Baseball Strategies. 978-1-09829-242-3.
Basketball Strategies. 978-1-09829-243-0.
Football Strategies. 978-1-09829-244-7.
Hockey Strategies. 978-1-09829-245-4.
Mixed Martial Arts Strategies. 978-1-09829-246-1.
Soccer Strategies. 978-1-09829-247-8.
Tennis Strategies. 978-1-09829-248-5.

The focus of the 8-book nonfiction series is an in-depth look at strategies for various sports. Sports covered are: auto racing, baseball, basketball, football, hockey, mixed martial arts, soccer, and tennis. The series covers how the best teams execute their plans and strategies throughout history. Each book has engaging images along with an informative text that will appeal to students. The book concludes with a glossary, online resources, additional information, and an index.

THOUGHTS: This series is a good addition to enhance elementary and middle school library collections seeking to update their sports collections. It is labeled as Hi-Lo nonfiction, so it would be a good addition to a high school library.

700s Sports